WELLESLEY HILLS, Mass., Jan. 24, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Scientists
from MassBay Community College successfully collaborated with
biological science counterparts from University of Massachusetts-Lowell
and Boston University on experiments related to early detection of
Alzheimer's Disease. The results from the experiments, which were
performed in MassBay's state-of-the-art biotechnology and environmental
science labs in Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts, were published in the
prestigious Journal of Biological Chemistry.
The scientists discovered that exosomes (a cell marker or vesicle
released from cells) containing tau and other proteins is an indictor
of Alzheimer's Disease. Exosomes can be found in the cerebral spinal
column and can be examined through a spinal tap. High levels of tau
found in the exosome is an indicator of advanced stages of Alzheimer's
Disease.
According to Dr. Sudad Saman, an Adjunct Professor of STEM at MassBay,
researcher and author of the article "Exosome-associated tau is
secreted in taupathy models and is selectively phosphorylated in
cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in early Alzheimer's Disease" published in
the Journal of Biology Chemistry, November 4, 2011, "Often Alzheimer's
Disease is detected in patients in its later stages, when the disease
has become more apparent to loved ones. By discovering Alzheimer's in
patients earlier, they can start taking medications, even five years
earlier can be beneficial to extending the life of the individual as
well as delaying the degenerating effects of the disease."
The deduction that the secretion of the tau protein from the exosome as
an early indicator of Alzheimer's Disease was the product of a
cross-university team led by Dr. Sudad Saman and UMass-Lowell's Dr.
Garth Hall, Professor of Biological Science. Also participating in the
work were Boston University's Dr. Ann C. McKee, Associate Professor of
Neurology and Pathology, and Mass Spectrometry Specialist, Lee Norman;
Victor E. Alvarez, MD (Neuropathology); and from MassBay's
Biotechnology Department was Dr. Bruce Jackson, Professor of
Biotechnology, Dr. Sarmand Saman, Professor of Microbiology, Dr. Mario
Raya, Professor of Life Sciences and Dr. Suhad Miro, Professor of STEM,
all of whom were instrumental to the successful outcome of the
research.
Alzheimer's Research at MassBay/2
"This is extraordinary work being done here at MassBay," said President
John O'Donnell. "MassBay has long benefitted from world-class
biotechnology and environmental science programs, and our elite
professors continue to make important contributions to the world of
science."
"The result of our work may become revolutionary in diagnosing
Alzheimer's Disease in its early onset," said Dr. Sudad Saman. "We
believe our discovery is quite significant. In addition, having this
research done at MassBay reflects the tremendous commitment and support
of the College. In doing this research, we had the privilege and honor
of working with professors and scientists who have been working in this
field for more than 20 years."
This discovery is the latest breakthrough stemming from MassBay's
biotechnology and environmental science programs. MassBay has produced
17 Barry M. Goldwater Scholars, the most prestigious undergraduate
honor in math, science and engineering. In 2010, MassBay announced the
discovery of a new bacteria made possible by Dr. Sarmad Saman,
Coordinator of MassBay's Environmental Science program, in conjunction
with the work of a student utilizing MassBay's high-tech equipment and
laboratory. The environmental science and biotechnology programs at
MassBay are internationally renowned and among the nation's most
celebrated undergraduate science programs.